Mexico Christmas 2018 Updates

Our students woke yesterday morning to pancakes and bacon followed by final instructions by our team directors before heading out for ministry. Our young adults were a little nervous but once they started sharing the Gospel through the drama, an air of confidence rose as they boldly proclaimed Jesus. Each team performed the drama multiple times in marketplace.

”Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This scripture found in Matthew was read in our quiet times this morning. The tiredness was seen on the faces of many who watched the drama in the markets. One had even seen the drama four years ago while in the prison. Pray for him. The seeds have been planted and his face showed he was weary; he needs Christ. Another family readily excepted Christ. How wonderful to see this young boy and his grandma so eager for the Good News that will give them the rest they desperately needed!

This afternoon after a hearty meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we taught on laying down our adolescence. What are the marks of maturity for young men and women of God? Speaking from 1 Timothy 4:12 and Luke 2, we challenged students to embrace their significant task. We then traveled to another marketplace to continue the ministry.

Team Luz started to set up the drama in a place that seemed a little lacking of an audience. It was the place God provided though. Right behind where the drama was being preformed stood a woodworking shop. As the team began the drama several children came to sit up close while the adults mostly stayed across the street and watched from a distance. The drama finished; our teams went out in the crowd and shared where several in the crowd came to know Him. One of our young men though turned around and walked up to the woodworking shop. There the woodworker stood peaking out the door. He kindly opened the door to our young man where Christ was offered to the older gentleman. What a wonderful sight to behold as he bowed his head and confessed to God that he wanted to follow Him!

Team Sal met a mom and her kids. As the drama unfolded, one of the children began to cry. The dragon in the Freedom drama, which represents Satan, caused him to be fearful. With sobs, he turned his face away. One of our team members consoled him, encouraging him to wait and watch. It's going to be okay and it's going to get better. He continued to sob as he saw the crucifixion scene and he wanted the POL's (people of the land which represents you and I), to stop. His sobs continued.

But then...

The Good Prince (Jesus) rose from the grave and as he witnessed this, his demeanor changed. Our team had the opportunity to share the Gospel with this family and they received Christ. The waiting and watching turned to hope AND eternal life as they repented of their sins and surrendered to Jesus. What an amazing sight!

Last night, our students had the opportunity to worship with our host church. It was an incredible night of worship. We closed out the evening with elotes (mexican corn) provided by the church, testimonies from the day and the start of our focus on Man Up and Reign On. Man Up and Reign On is our challenge to students to walk in their identity as men and women.

These students are such a blessing. How we are enjoying getting to know them! Continue to pray for renewed strength and salvation to come!